In Central Park, within easy walking distance from Columbus Circle, is a famous ball field created for the American game of softball, a version of baseball played on a smaller field, with a bigger ball. On it are five carefully interwoven ‘diamonds’, the word used to describe the shape made by the configuration of the bases set on the green, from the spectators’ view, as a square en pointe. In this case the home bases are strewn to the farthest reaches of the field, forcing the distant outfielders to play face to face, but in separate games.
It makes for amusing fun, as I experienced when I played in the Broadway Show League, long ago. As an outfielder, I found myself standing face to face with a player from a different match. Positioned that way, we could offer each other helpful hints and it made for great camaraderie. I played for different shows including the musical Annie, and Ensemble Studio Theater. In that league, the singer Meat Loaf had a team; he pitched, as he was too heavy to do much else.
The tradition of shows’ union workers (actors and stagehands) mounting teams to play one another continues on Thursday afternoons, when there is usually three games per diamond (11:30, 1:30 and 3:30pm). On other days other leagues play including one featuring television workers and public personalities.
Status of the Show League can be checked here.
Celebrities and stars may be seen.
Take some swings yourself here at this nearby batting cage.
Columbus Circle 2
US$
free
Explore New York like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.
You can see eight of the thirty-six paintings by "Johannes Vermeer" in New York City. There's a ninth one, but it's behind closed doors...
By
"35 Times - Toby Buonagurio" in New York are small artworks in the Times Square subway station, maybe even 16 inches square, lit on the inside. Jazzy!
By
"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...
By
"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.
By
"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...
By
I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.
By
"Di Fara" in New York is the best pizza pilgrimage one can go on. This local favorite makes a time-capsulized pizza restaurant. Its crust sets it apart...
By
The Subway Art in Columbus Circle New York City by Sol LeWitt is one of the pieces that make me feel I need to stop to take it all in...
By
I took the Q train in New York and reached the 86th Street station, where twelve Chuck Close mosaic mesmerizing portraits adorn the walls...
By
"The Revelers by Jane Dickson" in New York's Times Square Subway Station is mostly located in the transfer corridors between the BMT and IRT Flushing line
By
"The Return of Spring - Jack Beal" in New York is a mosaic mural in the Times Square station in the IRT West Side Lin mezzanine. Is it really Wayne Gretzky?
By
299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters